EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - Lindenwood men's soccer (11-5-3, 6-2-2 OVC) advanced to the Ohio Valley Conference semifinals after defeating #6 Western Illinois (8-11-1, 3-7 OVC) by a final score of 2-1. This marks the second straight season for the Lions that they will play in the semifinals in Edwardsville, Ill. With 11 wins this season, it marks the most by an LU men's soccer program since 2016 (13).

"It is always a difficult game come conference time," said head coach Kris Bertsch. "Western Illinois is a well coached team and they work very hard. Every time we have played them it has been difficult. I am proud we eventually played all 90 minutes and got out of there with a 2-1 victory."

Lindenwood's offense had multiple chances on Sunday and landed two goals in the win. Overall, Lindenwood had 13 total shots with four landing on net. The Lions held the Leathernecks to just eight shots with six of them coming in the second half.

Enzo Gil made two crucial saves down the stretch of the second half after the Leathernecks tied the match early in period. Quinn Connolly's first Lindenwood goal was one of the biggest of the season as it gave Lindenwood the lead and secured their trip to the semifinals.

The Lions struck first in the opening half after an own goal by Western Illinois. During the 11^th minute of action Cameron Caldwell tried for a pass into the box to Ethan Blake which was deflected into the net by a WIU defender.
 
Lindenwood took seven shots during the first half with three landing on goal including the own-goal by the Leathernecks. Gil made one of his three saves in net during the first half as the Lions' defense allowed just two shots in the first 45 minutes of play. The Leathernecks were charged with eight fouls in the first half.

Western Illinois broke into the scoring column on Sunday just over 12 minutes into the second. After Western Illinois took the free kick off a Lindenwood foul by Josh Francombe, the Leathernecks' Liam Gainey scored the equalizer in Edwardsville, Ill. during the 58^th minute of play. It marked the first goal the Lions had allowed in the last four matches.

During the 70th minute of play, Connolly took a cross from Jozef Palushaj and struck it in the bottom left of the net to give Lindenwood control at 2-1. Palushaj navigated through two WIU defenders to earn his fifth assist of the season.

Lindenwood's defense was key in the final 10 minutes of the match. Western Illinois has two scoring chances in the final six minutes in Edwardsville, but the Lions blocked two shots to secure the lead.

The OVC semifinals will continue on Wednesday, Nov. 13th as Lindenwood battles #2 Houston Christian at 3:00 p.m. CT in Edwardsville, Ill. For more information go to lindenwoodlions.com.